Main restrictions on competition in the professions

Solicitors:The law society's monopoly on the provision of the professional practice courses; restrictions on comparative advertising; the restrictions on solicitors based in Britain or other EU member-states.

Barristers:

The King's Inns' monopoly on the provision of training; rules preventing barristers from advertising and clients directly accessing barristers; the customs and traditions which serve to minimise the number of solicitor advocates in the superior courts.

Medical Practitioners:

The limited number of places available in medical schools; the process for registering foreign-qualified doctors to practise in Ireland; the processes for determining the number of consultant and GMS (General Medical Services) posts.

Dentists:

The absence of legal status for dental technicians and denturists; the law that prevents the practice of dentistry by corporate bodies.

Engineers:

The publication of historical fee scales; the advertising codes of the ACEI and the IEI.

Architects:

The manner in which architects will be assessed for the proposed new register of architects; the publication of information on the levels of charges.

Veterinary Surgeons:

Only one institution (University College Dublin) as the provider of veterinary education; the absence of recognition of veterinary surgeons trained outside the EU.

Optometrists:

The limited number of places on optometry degree courses; restrictions on advertising; the prohibition on the sale of ready-made spectacles.